Media releases 2014

Kiwis soft drink consumption

On the back of the soft drink/unhealthy food debate, results from Southern Cross Health Society’s annual health survey show 35% of New Zealanders think they consume too many soft drinks.

Furthermore, 16% of the population said they consume more than five soft/energy drinks a week.

In its survey Southern Cross asked Kiwis about their eating habits and while a significant amount think they over-indulge in fizzy drinks, 43% of those surveyed said they don’t drink soft drinks at all and 20% reported having one a week.

Age and region may play a role in consumption. 29% of Christchurch residents under 40 years and 27% of Tauranga residents under 40 years drink more than five servings a week. They are aware of it though - 55% of those under 40 in Tauranga saying they consume too many soft drinks.

Conversely, 67% of those aged over 40 living in Tauranga consume no soft drinks, the highest percentage in the country.

Aside from soft drinks two other foods people feel they over-consume are chocolate/lollies (41%) and biscuits (30%).

When it comes to indulging a sweet tooth, those over 50 years of age consumed chocolate/lollies and biscuits more than five times a week and,

The majority of New Zealanders regularly eat fruit (66%) and vegetables (75%) more than five times a week with Wellington-ians consuming more fruit and vegetables than the rest of the country. Of the 14% that drank alcohol more than five times a week, 60% were over 50.

Editor note: Conducted by TNS the online survey of around 2,000 randomly selected New Zealanders was carried out in September 2013. Responses were weighted to be representative of the New Zealand over 15 population by age, gender and region.